The team name was announced today, during a ceremony at City Hall, along with the team colors and team logos.

During the ceremony, new VP of Communication for the Union, Carl Cherkin, explained that everything to do with the team name, colors and logos had an intended meaning.

The name Union was chosen by a fan poll and has a direct tie to the Philadelphia area. In 1776, this country’s founding father’s signed a document dedicated to the formation of “A more perfect union” in the then capital of the Thirteen Colonies, Philadelphia.

The team colors of navy and gold are directly tied to the colors of the Continental Army’s uniforms during the American Revolution. The light blue accent color on the team logo is connected to the same light blue on the Philadelphia civic flag.

The primary logo for the Union is circular, standing for unity. The thirteen gold stars are for the original Thirteen Colonies and the crest of the logo has a similar contour to the Philadelphia coat of arms.

Though the logo and name had been leaked a week or so prior to the unveiling, a major question about the Rattlesnake still loomed. The snake pays homage to a political cartoon featured in the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1754, drawn by Benjamin Franklin. On the team’s secondary logo, a banner with the Latin phrase “jungite aut perite” is featured. The phrase roughly translates into “Join or Die” and is the official team motto.

The ceremony will take place at City Hall (15th and Market) at 11:30AM. Mayor Michael Nutter may or may not show off some Beckham-like ball skills depending on how his hip is feeling. Don’t miss it!

Those diehard, hardcore, one of a kind supporters — the SoBs — will be in attendance after a little pre-partying at McGillin’s. Feel free to join the lads if you favor a little Guinness breakfast (first pint at 9am).